U.S. patent application number 16/222502 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-18 for plate between ring assemblies of a ring seal system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas ELLMANN, David HAKES, Benjamin JONES, Jacob PITMAN.
Application Number | 20200191275 16/222502 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68848440 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200191275 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JONES; Benjamin ; et
al. |
June 18, 2020 |
PLATE BETWEEN RING ASSEMBLIES OF A RING SEAL SYSTEM
Abstract
A ring seal system is disclosed. The ring seal system may
include a first ring assembly that includes a first sealing
surface. The ring seal system may include a second ring assembly
that includes a second sealing surface. The ring seal system may
include a plate, between the first ring assembly and the second
ring assembly, that includes a first contact surface and a second
contact surface. The ring seal system may include a coating on the
first contact surface and the second contact surface. The first
contact surface may be mechanically connected to the first sealing
surface to form a first seal with the first sealing surface. The
second contact surface may be mechanically connected to the second
sealing surface form a second seal with the second sealing
surface.
Inventors: |
JONES; Benjamin;
(Bartonville, IL) ; HAKES; David; (Brimfield,
IL) ; PITMAN; Jacob; (Peoria, IL) ; ELLMANN;
Thomas; (Groveland, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Deerfield |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Deerfield
IL
|
Family ID: |
68848440 |
Appl. No.: |
16/222502 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16J 15/3404 20130101;
F16J 15/3284 20130101; F16J 15/344 20130101; F16J 15/3204
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16J 15/3284 20060101
F16J015/3284; F16J 15/3204 20060101 F16J015/3204 |
Claims
1. A ring seal system, comprising: a first ring assembly that
includes a first sealing surface; a second ring assembly that
includes a second sealing surface; a plate, between the first ring
assembly and the second ring assembly, that includes a first
contact surface and a second contact surface, wherein the plate
comprises: a metal, a ceramic, or a carbon alloy; and a coating on
the first contact surface and the second contact surface, wherein
the coating is to substantially prevent wear between the first
contact surface and the first sealing surface and between the
second contact surface and the second sealing surface, wherein the
first contact surface is mechanically connected to the first
sealing surface to form a first seal with the first sealing
surface, and wherein the second contact surface is mechanically
connected to the second sealing surface form a second seal with the
second sealing surface.
2. The ring seal system of claim 1, wherein the plate is
mechanically connected to the first ring assembly and the second
ring assembly via friction and compression pressure between the
first contact surface and the first sealing surface, and between
the second contact surface and the second sealing surface.
3. The ring seal system of claim 1, further comprising: a first
toric associated with the first ring assembly; and a second toric
associated with the second ring assembly.
4. The ring seal system of claim 1, wherein the plate has at least
one of: a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, or
a T-shaped cross section.
5. The ring seal system of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises a
set of plate bores that match respective sets of ring bores
associated with the first ring assembly and the second ring
assembly.
6. The ring seal system of claim 1, wherein a first hardness of the
first contact surface approximately matches a first hardness of the
first sealing surface, and wherein a second hardness of the second
contact surface approximately matches a second hardness of the
second sealing surface.
7. The ring seal system of claim 1, wherein a first coefficient of
friction of the first contact surface approximately matches a first
coefficient of friction of the first sealing surface, and wherein a
second coefficient of friction of the second contact surface
approximately matches a second coefficient of friction of the
second sealing surface.
8. A machine that includes a ring seal system, the ring seal system
comprising: a plurality of ring assemblies; and a plate between the
plurality of ring assemblies, comprising: a plate of material with
a first contact surface and a second contact surface adjacent to an
exterior edge of the plate of material, wherein the first contact
surface and the second contact surface are aligned relative to each
other based on an alignment of a first sealing surface of the
plurality of ring assemblies, and a second sealing surface of the
plurality of ring assemblies, wherein a first hardness and a first
coefficient of friction of the first contact surface and the first
sealing surface approximately match each other, and wherein a
second hardness and a second coefficient of friction of the second
contact surface and the second sealing surface approximately match
each other.
9. The machine of claim 8, wherein the machine includes a crawler
track that includes the ring seal system.
10. The machine of claim 8, wherein the plate comprises: a first
coating on the first contact surface, and a second coating on the
second contact surface, wherein the first coating and the second
coating are a same coating.
11. The machine of claim 8, wherein the plurality of ring
assemblies is at least one of: a plurality of metal-faced ring
assemblies, or a plurality of heavy duty dual faced (HDDF) seal
rings.
12. The machine of claim 8, wherein the plate comprises a set of
plate bores, wherein the set of plate bores is aligned with
respective sets of ring bores included in the plurality of ring
assemblies.
13. The machine of claim 8, wherein the plate substantially
prevents the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface
from contacting each other.
14. A plate, comprising: a plate of material with a first contact
surface and a second contact surface adjacent to an exterior edge
of the plate of material; a first coating on the first contact
surface to substantially prevent wear to the first contact surface
or to a first sealing surface of a ring seal system based on a
first hardness of the first coating; and a second coating on the
second contact surface to substantially prevent wear to the second
contact surface or to a second sealing surface of the ring seal
system based on a second hardness of the second coating, wherein
the first contact surface is to form a first seal with the first
sealing surface, wherein the second contact surface is to form a
second seal with the second sealing surface.
15. The plate of claim 14, wherein the plate of material comprises
at least one of: a ceramic, a metal, or a carbon alloy.
16. The plate of claim 14, wherein the first coating and the second
coating comprise at least one of: a high-velocity oxygen fuel
(HVOF) coating, a high-velocity air fuel (HVAF) coating, an
amorphous diamond-like carbon (ADLC) coating, or a nitrogen-based
coating.
17. The plate of claim 14, wherein the first hardness and the
second hardness are at least a 40 on a Rockwell scale.
18. The plate of claim 14, wherein the plate of material has an
annular shape, wherein the exterior edge is an annular surface of
the annular shape of the plate of material.
19. The plate of claim 18, further comprising: a plate bore defined
by an interior surface of the annular shape of the plate of
material.
20. The plate of claim 14, further comprising a debris expulsion
component mechanically connected to the plate of material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a ring seal
system and, more particularly, to a plate between ring assemblies
of a ring seal system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A machine may include a ring seal system that includes
multiple ring assemblies. The ring assemblies are typically annular
in shape and are pressed together to from a seal around components
of the machine, such as to contain lubricant oil around the
components, to prevent dirt or other material from interfering with
operation of the components, to absorb load from the machine,
and/or the like. For example, the ring assemblies may form a seal
around, and/or may be used in conjunction with, rotating components
of the machine, such as rollers of a machine that includes a
crawler track. The ring assemblies that are used to form the seal
often have metal sealing surfaces that are pressed together in
association with installation on the machine to form the seal.
Friction and/or heat generated between these metal faces during
operation of the machine (e.g., due to rotation of the ring
assemblies relative to each other) causes significant wear to the
metal sealing surfaces, thereby causing failure of the seal formed
by the ring assemblies, thereby causing one or more of the ring
assemblies to have to be replaced, and/or the like. In addition,
failure of the seal may cause lubricant oil to have to be
replenished at a high frequency. Replacement of a ring assembly
and/or of lubricant oil is costly and results in downtime of the
machine.
[0003] One attempt to eliminate oil leakage, to reduce mechanical
power loss, to avoid an increase in weight, and to shorten the
replacement time for lubricant oil is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,844,483 that issued to Iijima, et al. on Jul. 4, 1989 ("the '483
patent"). In particular, the '483 patent discloses a floating seal
device. The floating ring seal device includes a fixed side O-ring
held by a fixed side seal retainer, a rotary side O-ring held by a
rotary side seal retainer, and fixed side and rotary side seal
rings pressed against each other by the respective O-rings so that
their opposed surfaces may be slidably held in contact with each
other. The '483 patent further discloses mounting an oil absorbing
member made of felt or the like to a peripheral wall surface formed
on the opposed surface of the rotary side seal ring.
[0004] While the oil absorbing member of the '483 patent may
include an attempt to eliminate oil leakage, to reduce mechanical
power loss, to avoid an increase in weight, and to shorten the
replacement time for lubricant oil, the oil absorbing member of the
'483 patent does not provide mechanical support between metal
surfaces of a ring seal, does not reduce friction between the metal
surfaces, does not dissipate heat generated between the metal
surfaces, and/or the like.
[0005] The plate between ring assemblies of a ring seal of the
present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth
above and/or other problems in the art.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to some implementations, the present disclosure is
related to a ring seal system, comprising: a first ring assembly
that includes a first sealing surface; a second ring assembly that
includes a second sealing surface; a plate, between the first ring
assembly and the second ring assembly, that includes a first
contact surface and a second contact surface, wherein the plate
comprises: a metal, a ceramic, or a carbon alloy; and a coating on
the first contact surface and the second contact surface, wherein
the coating is to substantially prevent wear between the first
contact surface and the first sealing surface and between the
second contact surface and the second sealing surface, wherein the
first contact surface is mechanically connected to the first
sealing surface to form a first seal with the first sealing
surface, and wherein the second contact surface is mechanically
connected to the second sealing surface form a second seal with the
second sealing surface.
[0007] According to some implementations, the present disclosure is
related to a machine that includes a ring seal system, the ring
seal system comprising: a plurality of ring assemblies; and a plate
between the plurality of ring assemblies, comprising: a plate of
material with a first contact surface and a second contact surface
adjacent to an exterior edge of the plate of material, wherein the
first contact surface and the second contact surface are aligned
relative to each other based on an alignment of a first sealing
surface of the plurality of ring assemblies, and a second sealing
surface of the plurality of ring assemblies, wherein a first
hardness and a first coefficient of friction of the first contact
surface and the first sealing surface approximately match each
other, and wherein a second hardness and a second coefficient of
friction of the second contact surface and the second sealing
surface approximately match each other.
[0008] According to some implementations, the present disclosure is
related to a plate, comprising: a plate of material with a first
contact surface and a second contact surface adjacent to an
exterior edge of the plate of material; a first coating on the
first contact surface to substantially prevent wear to the first
contact surface or to a first sealing surface of a ring seal system
based on a first hardness of the first coating; and a second
coating on the second contact surface to substantially prevent wear
to the second contact surface or to a second sealing surface of the
ring seal system based on a second hardness of the second coating,
wherein the first contact surface is to form a first seal with the
first sealing surface, wherein the second contact surface is to
form a second seal with the second sealing surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example machine that includes a
plate between ring assemblies of a ring seal system.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective diagram of an
example ring seal system that may be used with the machine of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of an example ring seal
system that may be used with the machine of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIGS. 4-6 are cross-sectional diagrams of differently
configured plates between ring assemblies of a ring seal system
that may be used with the machine of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram of various views of a plate, described
herein, that may be used with the machine of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram of various views of a ring seal system,
described herein, that may be used with the machine of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIGS. 9-10 are diagrams of various configurations of a
plate, described herein, that may be used with the machine of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] This disclosure relates to a plate between ring assemblies
of a ring seal system. The ring seal system has universal
applicability to any machine utilizing such a ring seal system. The
term "machine" may refer to any machine that performs an operation
associated with an industry such as, for example, mining,
construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry. As
some examples, the machine may be a vehicle, a backhoe loader, a
cold planer, a wheel loader, a compactor, a feller buncher, a
forest machine, a forwarder, a harvester, an excavator, an
industrial loader, a knuckleboom loader, a material handler, a
motor grader, a pipelayer, a road reclaimer, a skid steer loader, a
skidder, a telehandler, a tractor, a dozer, a tractor scraper, or
other above ground equipment, underground equipment, or marine
equipment. Moreover, one or more implements may be connected to the
machine and driven from a component that includes the ring seal
system.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram 100 of an example machine that includes
a plate between ring assemblies of a ring seal system.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a track type machine 102. For example, machine
102 may be a shovel, such as a mining shovel, a hydraulic mining
shovel, and/or the like. In some implementations, machine 102 may
include an engine 104 supported by a frame and configured to drive
a tracked undercarriage 106 (e.g., a crawler track, a continuous
track, and/or the like).
[0019] In some implementations, tracked undercarriage 106 may
include crawler tracks 108 that are located at opposing sides of
machine 102 and driven by engine 104 via corresponding drive wheels
110. In some implementations, crawler track 108 may include a
plurality of crawler shoes 112 connected end-to-end via pins 114 to
form an endless loop. In some implementations, the endless loop of
crawler shoes 112 may be wrapped around corresponding drive wheels
110, one or more idler wheels 116, and at least one roller 120. In
some implementations, drive wheels 110 may engage pins 114 (or
engage bushings that encase pins 114) of crawler shoes 112 and
thereby transmit torque from engine 104 to crawler track 108. In
some implementations, idler wheel 116 and rollers 120 may guide
crawler track 108 in a general elliptical trajectory around drive
wheels 110. In some implementations, a tensioner 118 may be located
between idler wheel 116 and drive wheel 110 to push these
components apart and thereby maintain a desired tension of crawler
track 108. In some implementations, crawler shoes 112 may function
to transmit the torque from drive wheels 110 as a driving linear
(tractive) force 122 into a ground surface. The weight of machine
102 may be transmitted from drive wheel 110, idler wheel 116, and
rollers 120 through crawler shoes 112 as a downward bearing force
124 into the ground surface.
[0020] As shown by reference number 126, machine 102 may include a
ring seal system 128. For example, crawler track 108, drive wheel
110, idler wheel 116, roller 120, and/or the like of machine 102
may include a set of ring seal systems 128. As described elsewhere
herein, ring seal system 128 may include multiple ring assemblies
that form a seal around components of machine 102. For example, the
seal may contain lubricating oil around rotating components of
machine 102, may substantially prevent dirt or other material from
interfering with operation of the rotating components, and/or the
like. In addition, and as described elsewhere herein, ring seal
system 128 may include a plate between the ring assemblies (e.g.,
between respective sealing surfaces of the ring assemblies) of ring
seal system 128. As described elsewhere herein, the plate may
reduce friction and/or heat generated with respect to sealing
surfaces of ring seal system 128, may absorb heat generated during
rotation of sealing surfaces relative to each other, may absorb
load generated by a weight of machine 102, and/or the like.
[0021] As indicated above, FIG. 1 is provided as an example. Other
examples are possible and may differ from what was described in
connection with FIG. 1. Although FIG. 1 shows ring seal system 128
as being deployed in tracked undercarriage 106 of machine 102, ring
seal system 128 may be deployed in various other types of machines
and/or components for various industries. For example, ring seal
system 128 may be deployed in connection with various rotating
components of a final drive, a giant rock crusher, an industrial
shredder, a sewer pump, dredging equipment, and so forth.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective diagram 200 of an
example ring seal system that may be used with the machine of FIG.
1. FIG. 2 shows a portion of ring seal system 128.
[0023] As shown, ring seal system 128 includes multiple seal ring
housings 202 for ring assemblies 206 included in ring seal system
128. For example, ring seal system 128 includes seal ring housing
202-1 for ring assembly 206-1 and seal ring housing 202-2 for ring
assembly 206-2. In some implementations, seal ring housing 202 may
comprise metal, ceramic, a carbon alloy, and/or the like depending
on use of ring seal system 128, heat and/or mechanical stresses
that are expected to be applied to ring seal system 128, and/or the
like. In some implementations, seal ring housing 202 may protect
ring seal system 128 from damage during operation of machine 102,
from dirt or other material, and/or the like.
[0024] As further shown in FIG. 2, ring seal system 128 may include
multiple torics 204. For example, ring seal system 128 may include
toric 204-1 for ring assembly 206-1 and toric 204-2 for ring
assembly 206-2. In some implementations, toric 204 may comprise
rubber, an elastomeric material, plastic, and/or the like. The
material used for toric 204 may be selected to have a suitable
compressibility to form a secure fluid-tight seal with adjacent
components of ring seal system 128. Additionally, or alternatively,
material for toric 204 may be selected to withstand heat and/or
friction produced by adjacent or nearby components of ring seal
system 128.
[0025] In some implementations, toric 204 may be configured to
secure ring assemblies 206 within seal ring housings 202. In some
implementations, torics 204 may apply mechanical constriction on
ring assemblies 206 to produce a fluid-tight seal between torics
204 and seal ring housings 202 and between torics 204 and ring
assemblies 206. Additionally, or alternatively, the mechanical
compression applied by torics 204 may produce various fluid-tight
seals at seal ring interface 212. For example, torics 204 may cause
fluid-tight seals to be formed between respective sealing surfaces
of ring assemblies 206 and corresponding contact surfaces of plate
214 based on torics 204 compressing the respective sealing surfaces
and the corresponding contact surfaces together.
[0026] As further shown in FIG. 2, ring seal system 128 may include
multiple ring assemblies 206. In some implementations, ring
assembly 206 may comprise metal, a ceramic, a carbon alloy, and/or
the like. In some implementations, ring assembly 206 may include a
metal-faced ring assembly, a heavy duty dual faced (HDDF) seal
ring, a duo-cone seal ring, and/or the like. In some
implementations, ring assembly 206 may include a first section 208.
For example, ring assembly 206-1 may include first section 208-1
and ring assembly 206-2 may include first section 208-2. In
addition, ring assembly 206 may include a second section 210. For
example, ring assembly 206-1 may include second section 210-1 and
ring assembly 206-2 may include second section 210-2.
[0027] In some implementations, first section 208 and second
section 210 may be oriented at an angle with respect to each other
(e.g., approximately 90 degrees depending on a percentage of second
sections 210-1 and 210-2 that are to contact corresponding contact
surfaces of plate 214). In some implementations, second section
210-1 of ring assembly 206-1 and second section 210-2 of ring
assembly 206-2 may be configured to engage plate 214 at seal ring
interface 212. In some implementations, second sections 210-1 and
210-2 may include the respective sealing surfaces of ring
assemblies 206 (e.g., surfaces that are to contact corresponding
contact surfaces of plate 214). In some implementations, second
portions 210 and/or the respective sealing surfaces may be flat or
may have one of a variety of curved surface shapes. In some
implementations, the specific shape of second sections 210 and/or
the sealing surfaces may be selected based on a use, cost, and/or
the like of ring seal system 128. In some implementations, a set of
coatings, similar to that described elsewhere herein, may be
disposed on respective sealing surfaces of second sections 210.
[0028] As further shown in FIG. 2, ring seal system 128 may include
plate 214 at seal ring interface 212. In some implementations,
plate 214 may include a plate of material that comprises ceramic,
metal, a carbon alloy, and/or the like. In some implementations,
plate 214 may be mechanically connected to respective sealing
surfaces of second sections 210 of ring assemblies 206 to form a
fluid-tight seal. In some implementations, plate 214 may be held in
place between second sections 210 via fiction between respective
sealing surfaces of second sections 210 and corresponding contact
surfaces of plate 214. In some implementations, plate 214 may be
affixed to one or both of second sections 210 depending on a use of
ring seal system 128 (e.g., plate 214 may be affixed to only one of
the second sections 210 when ring assemblies 206 are to rotate
relative to each other). For example, plate 214 may be affixed via
use of a set of fasteners, welding, an adhesive, and/or the like,
such that fluid-tight seals can be formed between respective
sealing surfaces of second sections 210 and corresponding contact
surfaces of plate 214. In some implementations, plate 214 may be
configured between ring assembly 206-1 and 206-2 in seal ring
interface 212 such that second sections 210 do not contact each
other.
[0029] In some implementations, plate 214 may include a coating on
contact surfaces of plate 214. For example, the coating may include
a high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) coating, a high-velocity air
fuel (HVAF) coating, an amorphous diamond-like carbon (ADLC)
coating, a nitride-based coating formed from a nitriding process,
and/or the like. In some implementations, the coating may provide
increased hardness and/or wear resistance for plate 214. In some
implementations, different contact surfaces of plate 214 may have
the same coating or may have different coatings. In some
implementations, plate 214 may be processed using one or more
treatment processes, such as a heat treatment process, a cold
treatment process, a shock hardening process, and/or the like, to
cause plate 214 to have a particular hardness.
[0030] In some implementations, contact surfaces of plate 214 may
have a hardness and/or a coefficient of friction that matches a
hardness and/or a coefficient of friction of corresponding sealing
surfaces of second sections 210 (e.g., based on material used for
plate 214 and/or respective coatings on the contact surfaces). For
example, a first hardness and/or coefficient of friction of a first
contact surface of plate 214 may match that of a corresponding
sealing surface of second section 210-1, and a second hardness
and/or coefficient of friction of a second contact surface of plate
214 may match that of a corresponding sealing surface of second
section 210-2. Continuing with the previous example, the matching
hardnesses and/or coefficients of friction may substantially
prevent wear to second sections 210 and/or plate 214 during
operation of machine 102 and/or heat generation during operation of
machine 102 due to relative rotation of these components (e.g.,
wear and/or heat that may damage second sections 210 and/or plate
214, that may cause failure of a seal formed between second
sections 210 and plate 214, and/or the like). As an example,
substantially preventing wear may include maintaining a width of a
contact band between respective sealing surfaces of ring assemblies
206 and corresponding contact surfaces of plate 214 within 20% of
an initial width of the contact band during an operating life of
ring assemblies 206 (e.g., 20,000-30,000 operating hours).
[0031] In some implementations, hardnesses and/or coefficients of
friction of different components may match when the hardnesses
and/or coefficients of friction are within 10 percent of each
other. In some implementations, contact surfaces of plate 214
and/or sealing surfaces of respective second sections 210 may have
a hardness of at least 40 on a Rockwell scale. In some
implementations, different contact surfaces of plate 214 may have
different hardnesses and/or coefficients of friction and different
respective sealing surfaces of second sections 210 may have
different hardnesses and/or coefficients of friction.
[0032] In some implementations, contact surfaces of plate 214 may
have a lower hardness than respective sealing surfaces of second
section 210 so that plate 214 wears faster than the respective
sealing surfaces. For example, depending on relative costs of plate
214 and ring assemblies 206, depending on relative eases of
replacement of plate 214 and ring assemblies 206, and/or the like,
having plate 214 wear faster than second sections 210 may conserve
costs associated with replacing ring assemblies 206, time
associated with replacing ring assembly 206, and/or the like.
[0033] In some implementations, plate 214 may have a particular
shape, as described elsewhere herein. For example, plate 214 may
have an annular shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape,
and/or the like depending on a shape of ring assemblies 206 of ring
seal system 128 in which plate 214 is to be installed, depending on
a cost of producing plate 214, and/or the like. In some
implementations, and as described elsewhere herein, plate 214 may
have a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a
T-shaped cross-section, and/or the like. In some implementations,
plate 214 may have a particular thickness. For example, plate 214
may have a thickness depending on a manner in which plate 214 is to
be used, an amount of friction and/or heat plate 214 is expected to
experience, an amount of mechanical stress plate 214 is expected to
experience, and/or the like. For example, plate 214 may be thicker
for higher relative amounts of friction and/or heat that are
predicted to be generated.
[0034] As further shown in FIG. 2, plate 214 may include a set of
plate bores 216 and ring assemblies 206 may include respective sets
of ring bores 218. In some implementations, an interior surface of
plate 214 may define the set of plate bores 216. For example, and
as shown in FIG. 2, because plate 214 has an annular shape, an
interior surface of plate 214 may define a single circular plate
bore 216.
[0035] In some implementations, the set of plate bores 216 may
match respective sets of ring bores 218 in ring assemblies 206. For
example, the set of plate bores 216 may include a similar quantity,
size, arrangement, and/or the like of plate bores as the respective
sets of ring bores 218. In some implementations, the set of plate
bores 216 may include a different quantity, size, arrangement,
and/or the like of plate bores as the respective sets of ring bores
218 in ring assemblies 206.
[0036] In some implementations, the set of plate bores 216 may
permit plate 214 to be placed around other components of machine
102, may form, in conjunction with respective sets of ring bores
218 of ring assemblies 206, a chamber for lubricating oil or other
fluids, and/or the like. In some implementations, and as further
shown in FIG. 2, the set of plate bores 216 and the respective sets
of ring bores 218 may be aligned with each other. For example, the
set of plate bores 216 and the respective sets of ring bores 218
may overlap in-line with each other. In some implementations, the
set of plate bores 216 and the respective sets of ring bores 218
may be offset from each other.
[0037] As indicated above, FIG. 2 is provided as an example. Other
examples may differ from what was described in connection with FIG.
2.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram 300 of an example ring
seal system that may be used with the machine of FIG. 1.
[0039] Reference number 310 shows a cross-section of seal ring
interface 212. As shown by reference number 310, plate 214 may be
mechanically connected to ring assembly 206-1 and ring assembly
206-2 (e.g., to respective sealing surfaces of respective second
sections 210 of ring assembly 206-1 and ring assembly 206-2). As
further shown by reference number 310, plate 214 may substantially
prevent ring assemblies 206 from mechanically contacting each
other, such as to substantially prevent ring assemblies 206-1 and
206-2 from causing wear to respective sealing surfaces of each
other. In some implementations, and as further shown by reference
number 310, a shape of contact surfaces of plate 214 (e.g.,
surfaces that contact ring assemblies 206) may match a shape of
respective sealing surfaces of ring assemblies 206 (e.g., surfaces
that contact plate 214). For example, the contact surfaces may be
aligned based on the shape of the respective sealing surfaces
(e.g., may be configured with a particular shape that matches the
shape of the respective sealing surfaces, may be pressed into a
shape, by the respective sealing surfaces, that matches the shape
of the respective sealing surfaces when installed in ring seal
system 128, and/or the like).
[0040] As indicated above, FIG. 3 is provided as an example. Other
examples may differ from what was described in connection with FIG.
3.
[0041] FIGS. 4-6 are cross-sectional diagrams 400-600 of
differently configured plates between ring assemblies of a ring
seal system that may be used with the machine of FIG. 1.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, and by reference number 410, plate 214
may have a triangular cross-section. In some implementations, and
as shown by reference number 420, the triangular cross-section may
have an exterior edge (e.g., an annular surface in the case of an
annular shaped plate 214) that is narrower than an interior edge of
plate 214 (shown by reference number 430). This may facilitate
contact between respective first portions of the respective sealing
surfaces of ring assemblies 206 (associated with the exterior edge)
while substantially preventing contact between respective second
portions of the respective sealing surfaces of ring assemblies 206
(associated with the interior edge). This may improve a seal formed
by ring assemblies 206 by facilitating contact between the
respective first portions of the respective sealing surfaces while
reducing wear, friction, and/or heat experienced by the respective
second portions of the respective sealing surfaces.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 5, and as shown by reference number 510,
plate 214 may have a T-shaped cross-section. In some
implementations, the T-shaped cross-section may substantially
prevent respective sealing surfaces of the ring assemblies 206 from
mechanically contacting each other. In some implementations, and as
shown by reference number 520, the T-shaped cross-section may
completely cover seal ring interface 212, thereby providing seal
ring interface 212 with protection from dirt and/or other
material.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 6, and as shown by reference number 610,
plate 214 may have a rectangular cross-section. In some
implementations, and as further shown by reference number 610,
plate 214 may substantially prevent ring assemblies 206 from
mechanically contacting each other, in a manner similar to that
described elsewhere herein. As shown by reference number 620, plate
214 may further comprise a set of debris expulsion components
mechanically connected to plate 214. In some implementations, a
debris expulsion component may be a plate of metal, ceramic, carbon
alloy, and/or the like affixed to an exterior edge of plate 214.
Alternatively, a debris expulsion component may be an annular
shaped component affixed to the exterior edge of plate 214. In some
implementations, the debris expulsion component may expel material
from between seal ring housings 202, during operation of machine
102 (e.g., as the debris expulsion component rotates with plate
214). This reduces or eliminates an amount of material that could
interfere with seal ring interface 212 and/or that could move
within a chamber formed by a set of plate bores 216 of plate 214
and/or respective sets of ring bores 218 of ring assemblies
206.
[0045] As indicated above, FIGS. 4-6 are provided as examples.
Other examples may differ from what was described in connection
with FIGS. 4-6.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a diagram 700 of various views of a plate,
described herein, that may be used with the machine of FIG. 1.
[0047] Reference number 710 shows a front view of plate 214. As
shown, plate 214 includes a plate of material 720. For example,
plate of material 720 may be a plate of metal, ceramic, carbon
alloy, and/or the like similar to that described elsewhere herein.
Although plate of material 720 is shown as having an annular shape,
other shapes are possible for plate or material 720, as described
elsewhere herein. As further shown with respect to plate of
material 720, plate of material 720 may include an exterior edge
730. In some implementations, exterior edge 730 may be an annular
edge of plate of material 720 when plate of material 720 has an
annular shape. As further shown, plate of material 720 may include
an interior edge 740. In some implementations, and as described
elsewhere herein, interior edge 740 may define plate bore 216.
[0048] Reference number 750 shows a side view of plate of material
720. As shown, plate of material 720 may have a rectangular
profile, with a rectangular cross-section, similar to that
described elsewhere herein. In some implementations, plate of
material 720 may have a different profile and/or cross-section,
such as a hexagonal profile with a triangular cross-section, a
rectangular profile with a T-shaped cross-section, and/or the like.
As further shown, plate of material 720 includes a first contact
surface 760 and a second contact surface 770, similar to that
described elsewhere herein. For example, the first contact surface
760 and the second contact surface 770 may be adjacent to exterior
edge 730. In some implementations, the first contact surface 760
and the second contact surface 770 may form respective seals with
respective sealing surfaces of ring assemblies 206.
[0049] As indicated above, FIG. 7 is provided as an example. Other
examples may differ from what was described in connection with FIG.
7.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram 800 of various views of a ring seal
system, described herein, that may be used with the machine of FIG.
1.
[0051] Reference number 810 shows a side view of ring seal system
128. For example, the side view shows a single ring assembly 206
and a single toric 204 associated with the single ring assembly
206. Reference number 820 shows a side view of ring seal system
128. For example, the side view shows that ring seal system 128
includes multiple ring assemblies 206, with corresponding torics
204. As further shown, the multiple ring assemblies 206 may include
respective sealing surfaces 830 and 840 (e.g., a first sealing
surface 830 of second section 210-1 and a second sealing surface
840 of second section 210-2, respectively). For example, ring
assembly 206-1 may include sealing surface 830 and ring assembly
206-2 may include sealing surface 840. In some implementations,
sealing surface 830 may form a first seal with contact surface 760
when plate 214 is installed in ring seal system 128, and sealing
surface 840 may form a second seal with the second contact surface
770 when plate 214 is installed in ring seal system 128.
[0052] As indicated above, FIG. 8 is provided as an example. Other
examples may differ from what was described in connection with FIG.
8.
[0053] FIGS. 9-10 are diagrams 900-1000 of various configurations
of a plate, described herein, that may be used with the machine of
FIG. 1.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 9, and by reference number 910, plate of
material 720 of plate 214 may have a rectangular shape. In some
implementations, an interior edge of plate of material 720 may
define a rectangular shaped plate bore 216. As shown by reference
number 920, plate of material 720 of plate 214 may have a hexagonal
shape. In some implementations, an interior edge of plate 214 may
define a hexagonal shaped plate bore 216.
[0055] Turning to FIG. 10, and as shown by reference number 1010,
plate of material 720 may include multiple plate bores 216, rather
than a single plate bore 216 as described elsewhere herein. In some
implementations, ring assemblies 206 to be associated with plate
214 may include a similar quantity, size, arrangement, and/or the
like of plate bores 216. In some implementations, ring assemblies
206 to be associated with plate 214 may include a different
quantity, size, arrangement, and/or the like of plate bores 216.
Although a particular quantity, size, arrangement, and/or the like
of plate bores 216 are shown in FIG. 10, other quantities, sizes,
arrangements, and/or the like are possible and may differ from what
is shown in FIG. 10.
[0056] As indicated above, FIGS. 9-10 are provided as examples.
Other examples may differ from what was described in connection
with FIGS. 9-10.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0057] Ring seal system 128 may be used with any machine, such as a
machine that includes rotating components (e.g., of crawler track
108). For example, ring seal system 128 may include multiple ring
assemblies 206, with plate 214 between respective sealing surfaces
of the multiple ring assemblies 206. Plate 214 may reduce friction
and/or wear between the respective sealing surfaces, thereby
reducing or eliminating a need for the multiple ring assemblies 206
to be replaced. In addition, plate 214 may absorb and/or dissipate
heat generated by rotation of the multiple ring assemblies 206,
thereby reducing wear on the multiple ring assemblies 206,
increasing a life span of the multiple ring assemblies 206, and/or
the like. Further, plate 214 may absorb mechanical stress from the
weight of machine 102 that would otherwise be applied to the
respective sealing surfaces, thereby reducing a probability of
failure of the multiple ring assemblies 206, reducing wear to the
multiple ring assemblies 206, and/or the like.
[0058] Further, plate 214 may be produced from a variety of
materials and/or coatings, such as to control a hardness of plate
214, a coefficient of friction associated with plate 214, and/or
the like. As such, plate 214 may be produced cheaply, such as by
producing plate 214 from a softer, cheaper material, and applying a
coating to plate 214 so that plate 214 has a hardness and/or
coefficient of friction desired for a particular use. In addition,
plate 214 may be configured, via selection of materials and/or
coatings, to wear at a faster rate than the respective sealing
surfaces of the multiple ring assemblies 206. This conserves costs
that would otherwise be incurred replacing the multiple ring
assemblies 206. In addition, replacing plate 214 may be easier
and/or faster than replacing one or more of the multiple ring
assemblies 206. This conserves time and resources that would
otherwise be consumed replacing the one or more of the multiple
ring assemblies 206.
[0059] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to
include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with
"one or more." Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have,"
"having," or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further,
the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part,
on."
[0060] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and
description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and
variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be
acquired from practice of the implementations. It is intended that
the specification be considered as an example only, with a true
scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and
their equivalents. Even though particular combinations of features
are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification,
these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of
various implementations. Although each dependent claim listed below
may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various
implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with
every other claim in the claim set.
* * * * *